With the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, the buzz around Team India’s campaign is reaching fever pitch. Led by Suryakumar Yadav and featuring Shubman Gill as vice-captain, the squad boasts a mix of youth and experience. Placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and hosts UAE, India will open their campaign on September 10 against the UAE.
Yet, in a tournament filled with expectations, former India opener Virender Sehwag has offered his own perspective and it has already stirred debate. Speaking on Sony Sports, Sehwag named Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy as India’s three potential “game changers.”
” Shubman Gill, the vice captain and one of India’s most reliable batters in recent years, didn’t make Sehwag’s list. “
Sehwag, known for his fearless takes both on and off the field, backed his choices with conviction. “I think Abhishek Sharma can be a game changer. Bumrah is always a game-changer. Varun Chakravarthy, with his mystery bowling, was very effective in the Champions Trophy and in the T20 format as well. These are players who can win matches on their own,”.
While Bumrah’s inclusion was expected the pacer has long been India’s trump card in crunch situations Sehwag’s faith in Abhishek Sharma signals a belief in the next generation. The young left hander has impressed with his fearless batting in recent months, making him a dark horse in India’s line up. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy, who thrives in T20 cricket with his variations, offers a wildcard option that could unsettle opponents in UAE conditions.
The conversation around India’s Asia Cup campaign has also been dominated by the issue of workload management especially after the recently concluded Anderson Tendulkar Trophy. Fans and former players questioned why Bumrah was restricted to just three Test appearances while Mohammed Siraj played all five.
Sehwag weighed in with his trademark bluntness. “I think workload is important, especially for bowlers. For batsmen, I don’t think workload is a problem since they don’t have to play too many matches anyway. But for fast bowlers, it’s crucial. If they are managed properly, they can play for a longer time.”
He went further, underlining how India’s title hopes depend on their pace battery. “For India, it’s important that all fast bowlers stay fit, because in big events like the Asia Cup or World Cup, if they are available, India’s chances of winning will be higher.”
As India fine-tunes its squad, Sehwag’s words serve as both advice and warning. In tournaments where a single over can decide fate, players like Bumrah, Abhishek, and Chakravarthy might just be the difference between heartbreak and glory.
